IPL 2018 KXIP vs RCB: 5 player battles to look forward to between Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore

#4 Chris Gayle v Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav

In his last three games, KXIP’s star opener Chris Gayle has been in patchy form (8,1 and 21) and considering the sort of performances he delivered prior to that, it is a worrying development for them. KXIP is heavily dependent on its openers and hence, they would want him to get back to his best in tonight’s game against his old team. He routinely did so against Kolkata Knight Riders (another old employer) and that adds a new edge to the Jamaican’s batting tonight.

He can take the game away from the opposition fairly quickly but if he is to do so, then he would have to negotiate a fiery opening spell from RCB’s top fast bowler Umesh Yadav. The Indian fast bowler has taken 14 wickets so far and his opening battle with Gayle is going to set the tone for the game. His pace and movement will be a challenge for the left-hander, but at the same time, Indore is a batsman’s dream. So, who will prevail?